Samsung launches wi-fi enabled compact

Samsung has launched a compact capable of using nearby wi-fi connections to either e-mail users or upload to social networking sites such as Facebook. The 14MP compact also has HD video and a 3″ touch screen along with a 3x optical zoom.

The ST80 can make use of the Boingo hotspot provider, which has over 1,000 locations in London alone, via an included account. A number of providers have attempted this in the past, with Samsung themselves launching the ST1000 last year. The camera can only connect to wi-fi networks that don’t require verification, so any that need a code or login details wouldn’t be usable.

The restrictive zoom is something of a let-down, but elsewhere the camera has some impressive specs and is priced at a reasonable £200. For more information head to www.samsung.co.uk